Open Carry States

This is a discussion on Open Carry States within the Concealed Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; RSSZ-me to! Although I believe there is a place for open carry as I have said before depending upon where you are and your type ...

RSSZ-me to! Although I believe there is a place for open carry as I have said before depending upon where you are and your type of work. But I also understand that I am in no way advocating we don't allow it, thats not in my frame work to stand in the path of anyone else.

I don't have a problem with open carry on one's own property, gun clubs, ranges, etc.

However, I want the element of surprise in my corner if heaven forbid I ever have to use it. I wore a uniform for ~!8 years and carried open . . . always aware of anyone around me . . . don't need that any more, no thanks!

I like laws that ALLOW open carry (we shouldn't be restricted by law), but I think common sense should dictate that it is wiser to conceal for our own "protection" (don't like a bullseye on my back).

BTW I'm no advocate of open carry. I am in fact just the opposite. That doesn't mean that I don't open carry at times. Those times are when I'm the RSO (Range Safety Officer) at the local range or at the gun shop manning the counter (owner likes open carry by the employees). I have open carried when out walking on my property or when I have a long gun, since it is illegal to conceal those in Virginia.

I thought it was interesting how many states do allow open carry of some sort or another.

As for people in the bar/restaurant wearing guns. It is not a problem because I am not aware of anyone who consumes alcohol. In Virginia there is not statutory limit for DIP (Drunk In Public). So one beer and you could be charged DIP and in possession of a firearm while impaired. Would you win in court? I would say in most of the state you probably would. However I could list at least five counties where you most likely would not.

Same with imbibing while carrying concealed (at home or a party obviously). In our class we teach that you should not imbibe if you are carrying a firearm, period.

Well, the thunder and lightning are closing in and it looks like night out there, so I'm outta here until the storms pass.

Agree with RSSZ on this one. I'll never carry open in an urban/suburban area for similar reasons stated in other posts. An "accidental" exposure of a weapon is fine by me, but prefer not to see blatant exposure. To me it just blasts out "I'm armed, don't mess with me"...or "I'm armed, do ya feel lucky punk?" For now at least, Texas doesn't permit open carry.

In Virginia it was open carry for years but nobody ever exercised it. As soon as CCW was passed a lot of folks got permits. Nowadays, folks who carry openly will probably be stopped a LOT by cops (products of the public schools antigun AGENDA, no doubt) but they can't do much. There is a move on to bring back open carry in Virginia as a normal thing.

Actually open carry is not all that uncommon here in VA, and I have never had a police officer question my carrying of a pistol when done openly. That said I have a CHP here in VA so I mostly conceal.

Oh one other fact, if you go to a restuarant in VA that serves alcohol you must open carry or leave it in the car. We mostly open carry at that point.

Open carry is not against the law, so it is legal, except local citys can ban it and it is not easy to find out about those areas, as I understand it only a dozen cities or so have bans. Along with the recent CCW law it is now legal to have a handgun anywhere in a vehicle if over 21, this includes concealed on your person without a permit; just don't step out with it concealed. We also recognize all other states permits without formal reciprosity, so come to Missouri and feel free to bring your iron

Nevada permits open carry with the exceptions of Boulder City and North Las Vegas which have local ordinances forbiding it.
You may carry loaded in your car, under the seat or in the glove box, (again with the exception of those two cities), as your car is considered an extension of your home.
In Nevada defending yourself against a car-jacking is considered the same as a home invasion.